The events of WWII forced many Lithuanians to flee their country. Unable to return, over 10,000 came to Australia and of those 1,500 made South Australia their home. This is their history.

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Summer youth camp, 1970

The Catholic organised a summer youth camp
from 2 to 14th of January at ‘Kurša’ the Latvian camp grounds at
Aldinga beach. It wasn't the best place
for a camp site as it was a bit far from the beach and the breezes cool.

The camp was lead by Nemira Masiūlytė,
assisted by R. Kubiliutė. Camp commandant was D. Karpys, camp cook was
Visockiene, Janilionienė and Marcinkevičiutė.
Every evening father Kazlauskas and Father Spurgis would hold readings
and discussions. Guests spoke on various
topics, L. Pakalnis spoke about Lithuanian poetry, A Kubilius spoke about
practical Catholicism, M. Gavienienė about catholic ideology, V. Straukas and
Father Spurgis led a discussion of youth issues, G. Kaminskas spoke on the Lithuanian
language. V. Vosylius gave a slide show
featuring Lithuanian scenes. P. Pusdešris
spoke on and led a traditional partisan evening with a crown of flowers being
let out to sea.

There were 25 children at the camp, with
five of them had travelled from Melbourne.

The final day of camp, Father Kazlauskas
said mass, followed by the youth showing what they had learned throughout the
camp, singing national dancing, recitals.